ABOUT KPU

History

Learn about the origins, development and academic identity of Kujawy and Pomorze University in Bydgoszcz.

HISTORY OF KPU

From a regional educational,

initiative to a modern university

Kujawy and Pomorze University in Bydgoszcz, formerly Kujawsko-Pomorska Szkoła Wyższa, was established in 2000 in response to the educational needs of the region. The University was founded by Helena and Roman Czakowscy and entered into the register of non-public higher education institutions by decision of the Minister of National Education on 29 December 2000.

Since its beginning, the University has developed as a non-public higher education institution with a clear organizational structure, academic mission and regional responsibility. Its history reflects more than two decades of education, institutional development, cooperation and service to students and the wider community.

Established in

2026

Over two decades of academic development in Bydgoszcz

From its foundation in 2000, the University has continued to develop its educational offer, academic structures, cooperation with partners and support for students.

HISTORICAL MILESTONES

Key facts from the history of KPU

A short overview of the most important institutional facts in the University’s development.

Founded in 2000

The University was established in Bydgoszcz as Kujawsko-Pomorska Szkoła Wyższa.

Founded by Helena and Roman Czakowscy

The University was created through the initiative of its founders, Helena and Roman Czakowscy.

Registered as a non-public university

On 29 December 2000, the University was entered into the register of non-public higher education institutions.

Non-profit character

From the beginning, the University has operated on a non-profit basis, reinvesting resources in its development.

The beginning of Kujawy and Pomorze University

Kujawy and Pomorze University in Bydgoszcz began its activity as Kujawsko-Pomorska Szkoła Wyższa. It was established in 2000 as a response to the educational needs of the region and the growing role of non-public higher education institutions in Poland. The University was founded by Helena and Roman Czakowscy. On 29 December 2000, by decision of the Minister of National Education, the institution was entered into the register of non-public higher education institutions. This formal registration became the foundation for the University’s further academic and organizational development.

A non-public institution with a clear academic mission

From the beginning, the University has operated as a non-public higher education institution. Its functioning has been regulated by internal academic documents, including the statute and study regulations adopted by the University Senate. The University’s organizational model has included individual authorities, such as the President, Rector and Deans, as well as collective bodies, including the Convention, Senate, Board of Trustees and Faculty Councils.

Non-profit character and institutional responsibility

Since 2000, the University has operated on a non-profit basis. This means that its activity is not focused on commercial profit, and the resources generated by the University are allocated to further development and investment. This non-profit character is connected with a lasting organizational structure, institutional independence, self-governance and voluntary participation in the academic community.

Development of educational activity

Over the years, the University has expanded its educational activity and study offer. It has provided opportunities for students at different levels of higher education, including bachelor’s, engineering, master’s, long-cycle and postgraduate studies, as well as courses and additional educational modules. KPU’s educational offer has developed in response to the changing needs of students, graduates, employers and the labour market. The University has also supported students who want to deepen their knowledge through additional forms of learning and individual academic development.

Study modes and student development

The University has offered education in full-time and part-time study modes. Full-time studies are addressed mainly to students who can participate in regular weekday classes, while part-time studies are designed for people who are professionally active and want to develop their qualifications. The University has also supported particularly talented students through individual study plans and programmes, offering them additional academic and didactic support.

Mission: Sapientiae Servientes

The mission of Kujawy and Pomorze University is expressed in the Latin motto: Sapientiae Servientes, in the service of wisdom. For KPU, higher education means more than the transfer of knowledge. It is understood as a process of seeking truth, developing skills, building responsible attitudes and preparing students for conscious participation in professional and social life. The University’s mission is also connected with service to others. KPU aims to prepare graduates for the needs of a changing labour market, the expectations of employers and the challenges of a global society.

Education connected with professional life

The University has developed its educational activity with attention to professional preparation and cooperation with the socio-economic environment. Its mission includes supporting students in gaining knowledge, competences and attitudes that help them function responsibly in their future professional roles. The University’s development strategy has included cooperation with employers, improvement of study programmes, international academic cooperation and access to scientific information and modern educational resources.

Recognition, prestige and academic quality

Over more than two decades of activity, the University has built a reputation as a solid and student-friendly academic institution. The Polish source text emphasizes positive evaluations of study programmes by the Polish Accreditation Committee and the importance of reliable implementation of study programmes. The University has also received distinctions, certificates and awards related to its academic, social and regional activity. These elements form part of its institutional history and show the role it has played in the educational and social life of Bydgoszcz and the wider region.

Cooperation with the city, region and partners

The history of KPU is also connected with cooperation with the city, the region and academic partners in Poland and abroad. The University has participated in conferences, scientific initiatives, social projects and international cooperation, strengthening its role as an academic institution open to dialogue and development.

Academic staff and research activity

The academic and teaching staff of the University have carried out individual and team research activities. These initiatives have contributed to conferences, seminars, symposia, workshops and other forms of academic exchange. One of the important academic initiatives mentioned in the University’s history is the international congress cycle “One World, Many Cultures”, which has brought together representatives of different academic fields and institutions.

Conferences and academic initiatives

Scientific conferences, open lectures, seminars and research meetings have been an important part of the University’s academic activity. They have supported the exchange of knowledge, the development of academic communities and cooperation with national and international partners.

Publishing activity

The University’s history is also connected with publishing activity. Its publishing house has supported the dissemination of academic achievements of staff, students and graduates. Through textbooks, monographs, collective works and scientific yearbooks, the University has contributed to the development and circulation of academic knowledge in selected disciplines.

KPU today

Today, Kujawy and Pomorze University in Bydgoszcz continues its academic mission as a non-public higher education institution. Its history shows a path of development rooted in regional needs, academic responsibility, student support, international cooperation and service to the community.

For international visitors, the English-language website presents the University in a clear and structured way, helping candidates, Erasmus+ students and academic partners understand its identity, history and educational role.

Want to learn more about KPU?

If you are an international candidate, Erasmus+ student or academic partner, contact the University for current information about study opportunities, mobility and cooperation.